Nest-subalgebras of von Neumann algebras

The structure of a certain class of separably acting reflexive operator algebras is investigated for which the nest algebras of J. Ringrose can be considered prototypes. To a fixed von Neumann algebra and a complete nest of projections contained therein one associates the algebra of all operators in the von Neumann algebra which leave every member of the nest invariant. A generalization of the Ringrose criterion for inclusion in the Jacobson radical of a nest algebra is given for this more general class of algebras. Further properties of the radical are studied.